By Bruce Strand
Elk River Star News
A three-point barrage by Taylor Paulrud sparked the Rogers Royals in a 71-45 conquest of Dassel-Cokato at home on Friday evening.
Paulsrud, a sophomore guard, nailed five of six from outside the arc and totaled 25 points.
“Taylor was on fire tonight, offensively and defensively,” said coach Karlee Anderson.
Taylor Anderson added 16 and Courtney McClay 11 for the Royals (7-5).
Anna Webster led the Chargers (6-4) with 11 points.
The Royals, who made 11 of 15 free shots, had a 36-22 halftime lead.
“We played two halves tonight,” said Anderson. “We pressured them and we played our style of basketball.”
In earlier action, Royals won the third-place game of their holiday tournament 59-51 over St. Francis on Friday with four double-digit scorers.
Taylor Anderson potted 14 points, Taylor Paulsrud 12, and Marina Nowak and Lindsey Dorr 10 each.
The Royals (6-5), who trailed 29-23 at the half, pulled away late in the game when they switched to a four-out and one-in offense, with Nowak at the post getting the bulk of her points down the stretch.
For St. Francis (1-10), Emily Larson and Molly Kungel sank 13 points each and Sonja Homan 10.
Rogers will play at Staples-Motley on Tuesday.